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North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia, in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula. Pyongyang is both the nation's capital as well as its largest city. For decades now, North Korea has been one of the world's most secretive countries. North Korea is a totalitarian state. Its history was shaped by Kim Il-sung, who was the country's supreme leader from its formation in 1948 until his death in 1994. It is now led by the supreme leader Kim Jong-un. His father, Kim Jong-il, was the supreme leader before him. North Korea have isolated themselves from the rest of the world, but they have made headlines for their nuclear ambitions and their poor human rights records.

A still image from a CCTV footage shows a man purported to be Kim Jong Nam (circled in red) talking to airport staff.

Photo: Reuters

Appearing calm and solemn, two young women accused of smearing VX nerve agent on Kim Jong Nam, the estranged half brother of North Korea’s leader, were charged with murder this morning

The women, who arrived at court under the protection of special forces wearing masks and carrying machine guns, are at the centre of a bizarre killing at a busy Kuala Lumpur airport terminal. Many speculate the attack was orchestrated by North Korea, but Pyongyang denies any role.

Wearing a red T-shirt and blue jeans, Indonesian suspect Siti Aisyah nodded as her translator told her: “You are accused of murdering a North Korean man at the departure hall” of Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

The other suspect, Vietnamese Doan Thi Huong, wore a yellow shirt and blue jeans and said “I understand” in English as the charge was read. She looked briefly at the public gallery as she was led out and bowed her head.

The women did not enter pleas because the magistrate court where they appeared has no jurisdiction over a murder case. Lead prosecutor Iskander Ahmad told the court he will ask for the case to be transferred to a higher court and for both women to be tried together.